PODCAST · business
Don Sowa's MoneyTalk
by Cumulus Providence
Weekdays7p-8pMoneytalk’s content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation. Please consult your financial professional for your individual situation. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member www.FINRA.org + www.SIPC.org, a Registered Investment Adviser. Additional advisory services offered through Sowa Financial Group, Inc are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.Sowa Financial Group Inc.24 Albion Rd. Ste. 340Lincoln, RI 02865(401) 434-8090
Episodes
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The Parental Financier
For this emerging generation of first-time homebuyers, it is becoming more common to see parents offering their kids a financial boost to even the playing field. Donna and Nathan discuss the pros and cons of gifting some of your child’s inheritance early to help with buying a home. Also on...
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Relocating in Retirement
Buying a second home is on the retirement bucket list for many of us, but what looks good on paper doesn’t always pan out in reality. Donna discusses some considerations for those looking to purchase a second home in retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, what to do with your 401(k) at retirement, order…
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Estate Planning Fails
If you are one of the millions of Americans who doesn’t have a will, trust, or other estate planning tool in place, your assets are left at the mercy of the laws of the state in which you live, which can lead to unintended costs, headaches, and conflicts for your loved ones. On this Best of...
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Home Sellers Losing Leverage
Mortgage rates have crept back up to three-year highs, and the pressure that has plagued home buyers is now catching up to the other side of the transaction. Donna and Nathan discuss how home sellers are having to make concessions to balance out the conditions of an untenable housing market. Also...
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What’s Driving Your Investments?
There are a variety of investment vehicles at your disposal, and knowing how and when to use one vs. another requires a good understanding of their mechanics. Nathan breaks down the common investment vehicles, how they differ, and how they can serve different needs within your portfolio. Also, on...
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Unpopular Fixes for Social Security
It’s no secret that the Social Security program is in need of major reform, but surveys show that Americans feel extremely conflicted about the proposed solutions. Donna and Nathan discuss the various options being debated on how to reform Social Security, and the challenge that the next...
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Big Retirement Decisions
Retirement is crunch time for making decisions on many of those issues that you may have been putting off, and tackling them all at once can be a bit overwhelming. Donna takes us through some of the decisions that challenge new retirees, including: Should I buy a second home? Should I rollover my...
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4 Retirement Mistakes that Can't Be Undone
Making mistakes just means you're human, and they can be a powerful learning tool, but survival depends on avoiding those mistakes that cannot be fixed. Donna and Nathan discuss four retirement mistakes that can't be undone. Also on MoneyTalk, surprises for annuity owners. Hosts: Donna Sowa…
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Are Bonds Back?
With bond yields on the rise in 2026, we've seen renewed interest in active fixed income funds, but these funds can vary broadly in their risk exposure, and may not look as impressive relative to inflation. Donna and Nathan discuss the state of the bond market, and the importance of measuring...
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The Complicated Legacy of Henry Ford
Henry Ford is credited for his innovative use of the assembly line, his obsession with maximizing efficiency, and creating the five day work week, but there’s a much darker layer to Ford’s legacy highlighted by abuse and neglect for the welfare of his workers. On this edition of our MoneyTalk...
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The Final Approach to Retirement
That 10 year stretch of time leading up to retirement is a critical period when your strategic retirement plan gets accelerated to get you to your goal, and how you choose to focus your efforts and resources will make all the difference. Donna runs through 10 questions you should be asking…
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Playing Offense in the Insurance Game
When dealing with insurance companies it can often feel the chips are stacked against you, and it’s the insurance adjuster’s job to even the scales. Nathan welcomes Andy Gurczak, Founder and CEO of Allcity Adjusting, back to the show to discuss state property insurance laws, mistakes people make...
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Changing Your Money Mindset
Financial advisors live in a world of numbers, but when it comes to determining client suitability and risk tolerance, a fiduciary must go beyond the numbers to explore the qualitative factors that drive decision making. Donna and Nathan dive into the realm of behavioral finance to help you…
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The Big 3 Stock Indices
You have likely heard of the three primary US stock indices, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P500 and the Nasdaq, but many people don’t have a clear understanding of which they should be following, and when. Nathan discusses the differences between the Big Three, and why each one is...
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Non-Spousal Inheritance
Inheriting money from a spouse is a pretty straightforward process, but when money is passed down from parents or other family members, the rules get a bit more complicated. Donna and Nathan discuss the process of distributing assets from a non-spousal inheritance. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock…
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Financial Rules of Thumb
You may have heard of the 4% Rule, which suggests 4% as the maximum sustainable rate of withdrawal from your retirement accounts, but over recent years the goal posts have been shifting, and some suggest that it’s time for a rule change. Donna offers insights on how well the 4% rule and other...
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Unlocking the Potential of Your 401k
The 401k is one of the best deals in investing, and with improvements like the Roth option and brokerage link, the value of the 401k just keeps growing. Nathan offers tips for maximizing the benefits of your 401k. Also on MoneyTalk, how employers use employee stock option plans as part of an exit...
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Dawn of the Tokenized Stock Era
The SEC recently opened the door for the tokenization of publicly traded stocks, a move with the potential to increase market volume, and a step toward 24/7 trading. Donna and Nathan discuss the motivations behind this move, and how the broad integration of blockchain into securities markets…
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Social Security Misconceptions
Social Security is arguably the most important government entitlement since it affects just about every American, but surveys show that the majority of people lack a real understanding of how the program works. Donna and Nathan run through seven facts about social security that many people get...
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Black Friday 1869
Each year on Black Friday American shoppers spend billions of dollars on goods, but what you may not know is that the original black Friday was anything but a boon for the economy. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel cover the events of Black Friday…
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You Asked For It
Donna shares answers to questions from wealth management clients, including: How do I go about selling my precious metal items without getting swindled? How do I live my best retirement without overspending? What kind of an emergency fund should I keep?— and more. Also on MoneyTalk, a refresher…
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Chasing Yield
Yield is an expression of hour much income you earn on your money, but the way it is measured differs depending on the type of security. Nathan discusses how to measure yield across different asset classes, and why it is so important to understand. Also on MoneyTalk, advice from industry’s top...
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Evolution of the Pension Plan
The employee pension plan, widely considered a relic from long past, is actually making a comeback, but this new type of pension bares little resemblance to the plan your grandfather depended on. Donna and Nathan discuss cash balance plans, how they function, and how they differ from traditional...
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College or Trade?
In a world where college grads struggle to find work, while skilled tradesmen are being flooded with job opportunities, it’s becoming harder than ever to justify the cost of that four year degree. Donna and Nathan dig into the employment numbers to discuss the economics behind this shift, and…
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RMDs & Roth Conversions
You might be thinking that a Roth conversion could be a smart way to avoid paying some of the taxes on your RMD, but unfortunately for you, the government thought of that first. Nathan discusses required minimum distribution rules, common misconceptions about loopholes, and some proactive…
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Strategic Use of Debt
Debt is one of our least favorite four letter words, but the truth is that not all debt is created equal, and in some cases it can be used as part of a broader strategy for investing in your future. Donna and Nathan discuss good vs bad debt, and how it can be used as a tool if you have the...
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Stopping 401k Leakage
We live in an increasingly frictionless world, with automatic bill payments and 401(k) contributions, but too few people apply this strategy to their emergency savings, and the result has been an increased rate of early retirement distributions for unforeseen expenses. Donna discusses the...
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It’s Different Every Time
Mark Twain once said, “History seldom repeats itself, but it often rhymes”, and this can be a powerful lesson when applied to the markets. Nathan discusses the dangers of putting too much stock in historical performance, and to remember that every moment is unique. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment…
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The Cost/Benefit of Active Management
Funds that are actively managed often carry higher internal expenses, which can be justified when they deliver alpha, but that is not always the case. Donna and Nathan discuss the types of funds that can make sense to pay a premium for, and those that don’t. Also on MoneyTalk, choosing the…
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The New Deal
On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel explain how FDR used the aftermath of the Great Depression to pass the most progressive and influential package of political and social reforms in our nation’s history: the New Deal. Also on MoneyTalk, how advisors…
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10 Reasons to Save for Retirement
After 3+ decades of MoneyTalk, if we haven’t sold you on the importance for saving for retirement, then you haven’t been listening! But just in case you need more convincing, Donna and Nathan offer 10 reasons to save for retirement, including: Social Security likely won’t be enough to live on,...
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Portfolio Nightmares
Sometimes a new client will come in thinking that their investments may need some slight adjusting, only to discover that what they really need is portfolio triage. Donna takes us through some client portfolio nightmares, how they develop, and how to dig yourself out. Also on MoneyTalk, benefits…
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Bonds 101
We typically only hear about bonds when we experience spikes in interest rates or inflation, but understanding how bonds work helps us to better understand how the economy functions. Nathan takes us through 10 things you should know about bonds. Also on MoneyTalk, how different types of business...
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The History of Social Security with Nathan
Follow Nathan as he journeys through the long history of Social Security. Also on this episode of MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses the importance of contributing to retirement for all ages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Investing Behaviors Amongst Generations
Can generations learn from one another when it comes to investing? Donna and Nathan discuss the many behaviors and strategies of older and younger investors. Also on this episode of MoneyTalk, Donna discusses the effects of consumer spending on the greater economy and Stock Trivia with Donna,...
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Taking Steps for Succesful Retirement
Getting ready for retirement can become stressful. In this episode of MoneyTalk, Donna talks about common misconceptions in retirement planning and steps to take for creating a successful financial plan for retirement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Bond Talk with Nathan
As time passes, more Americans are becoming DIY investors and financial planners. On this episode of MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses some risks to look out for when doing your own financial planning. Also on MoneyTalk, Nathan discusses the complexities of fixed income and shares some wisdom from a…
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Retirement Milestones
Retirement is defined by age based rules that govern your finances. Donna and Nathan take us through these retirement milestones that you should keep on your calendar when prepping for retirement. Also on MoneyTalk, financial challenges and concerns that you may expect to face in your 50s, and...
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Maintaining Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is not a set it and forget it process, and any major life changes or changes in residency should prompt a review and update of those critical documents. Donna discusses the importance of keeping your estate plan up-to-date. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 8/10/2026....
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A Boost for 401k Participation
More than half of private sector workers are now contributing to a 401K, showing a much needed head of steam for plan participation at a time when the retirement savings gap poses a major threat to future retirees. Donna and Nathan discuss how new 401K plan features are making it simpler and more...
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The Iranian Oil Crisis
There are few periods in the 20th century that were more impactful to the global economy than the Iranian Oil Crisis and the revolution that followed. On this edition of our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, Nathan and Daniel tell the story of how Iran seized control of their oil industry…
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Questions from Clients
Some of the best content on the MoneyTalk program comes from our listeners, but our hosts also draw inspiration directly from the clients they talk to each day. Donna discusses questions from advisory client, including: Can I reverse a Roth conversion? How does a 1031 exchange work? And, in what...
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Prepping Your Estate
If you’ve ever had to go through the process of unwinding a poorly planned estate, then you understand how messy these things can be. Donna and Nathan talk through some estate planning mistakes that you want to avoid to make the process smoother for your loved ones. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock…
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Diversifying with Commodities
The traditional 60/40 portfolio has been disrupted over recent years by the increased correlation between stocks and bonds, driving investors to asset classes like commodities for diversification. Nathan speaks with Dan Cole, Principal at Quantix Commodities, to dig into how futures contracts...
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The Sunk Cost Fallacy
When you’ve made a substantial investment that goes badly, it’s not uncommon to see people stubbornly ride it out, or even double down in hopes of recovering their loses. Donna and Nathan discuss how cognitive biases like the sunk cost fallacy can lead to compounding losses, and how investors can...
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Asset Allocation Strategies
Some say that asset management is an art form, and while this may be true to some extent, there is a science behind portfolio design that helps to guide asset allocation decisions. Nathan discusses the mechanics of the three primary asset allocation strategies: strategic, tactical and dynamic.…
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An AI Over-Correction
The initial economic shock caused by AI’s potential impact on jobs seems to have settled, as employers who pulled back on hiring discover that AI is far from ready to replace the entry level workforce. Donna and Nathan discuss the reality of how AI is shaping industries, and current its…
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Trump Accounts Explained
Trump savings accounts are tax deferred custodial investment accounts designed to give children a head start on retirement savings, with $1,000 in initial funding for children born during the Trump presidency. Donna discusses the merits of the new program, the benefit of developing early savings...
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Should I Do a Roth Conversion?
People often have confusion around how and when a Roth conversion should be used, which is why there is a clear methodology professionals use to help make these decisions. Nathan explains the three goals advisors consider when deciding whether to do a Roth conversion: lower taxes over time, lower...
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Traditional vs. Roth IRAs
In a lot of ways, the Traditional and Roth IRA are mirror images of one another, and they are designed that way to provide very specific tax benefits to individuals under different circumstances. Donna and Nathan delve into the unique rules and benefits of the Traditional and Roth IRA, and…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Weekdays7p-8pMoneytalk’s content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation. Please consult your financial professional for your individual situation. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member www.FINRA.org + www.SIPC.org, a Registered Investment Adviser. Additional advisory services offered through Sowa Financial Group, Inc are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.Sowa Financial Group Inc.24 Albion Rd. Ste. 340Lincoln, RI 02865(401) 434-8090
HOSTED BY
Cumulus Providence
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